Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff; words by Alicia Rodriguez.
BIGGEST MOVERS: MIN +5; NYC, NE, SEA, PHI -3
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
The Five Stripes are going from strength to strength at the moment, with another road win against a game Fire side. Two big games loom this week at home against teams in good form: Sporting KC midweek and rivals Orlando City at the weekend. Can they keep their Supporters' Shield lead?
Previous: Won 2-1 at CHI | Next: vs. SKC on 5/9; at ORL on 5/13
2
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 7
The Red Bulls leapfrog back near the top of the Power Rankings after an emphatic rivalry win over NYCFC. Make no mistake, the Red Bulls are contenders this year, but a road trip to Colorado coming up next is always tricky -- although they'll have to like their chances if they stay focused against the Rapids.
Previous: Won 4-0 vs. NYC | Next: at COL on 5/12
3
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 15
Sporting have won in all kinds of ways in the opening weeks of the season, and their latest victory was a vintage 2017 performance, with an early goal and a vice-like grip in defense for the duration. Peter Vermes' contract extension confirms this club will stay the course, and why wouldn't they? It's been working out pretty well in KC.
Previous: Won 1-0 vs. COL | Next: at ATL on 5/9
4
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 17
LAFC had a disappointing draw, as their major edge in quality scoring chances were squandered and they let in an equalizer against Dallas. On one hand, for an expansion team, being upset with a draw is strange, but it seems pretty clear at this point the bar is much higher for LAFC than mere expansion team.
Previous: Drew 1-1 vs. DAL | Next: vs. MIN on 5/9; vs. NYC on 5/13
5
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 5
NYCFC took their biggest tumble of the season, and can you blame the voting panel? It is just one game, and if they bounce back, they'll be ok. But questions will continue to swirl if Patrick Vieira's group can be completely undone in highly-competitive games.
Previous: Lost 4-0 at RBNY | Next: at LAFC on 5/13
6
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 8
TFC found the win column with a routine performance against Philly. If they can pick up wins this week against Seattle and New England, they'll be back in the mix in the Eastern Conference, and facing Seattle now, at home, with their MLS Cup final opponents reeling makes it a very good opportunity for TFC.
Previous: Won 3-0 vs. PHI | Next: vs. SEA on 5/9; at NE on 5/12
7
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 19
Surely some Lions supporters will hope their team is trending higher in the Power Rankings after the team has reeled off a six-game winning streak. If they can succeed with the gauntlet ahead (Atlanta, Toronto and NYCFC are three of their next four opponents), they're sure to move higher.
Previous: Won 3-1 vs. RSL | Next: vs. ATL on 5/13
8
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
Dallas gut out a solid draw on the road, and Maxi Urruti did what he does in getting the all-important equalizer. Mauro Diaz was an unused substitute in the game against LAFC -- is his gravitational pull over FC Dallas' attack gone?
Previous: Drew 1-1 at LAFC | Next: vs. LA on 5/12
9
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 11
Columbus put on a defending clinic with 10 men in Seattle, and were perhaps a bit unlucky not to have won with a few outstanding chances. They're three games unbeaten, but will be looking to get more wins during a two-game week against Eastern Conference foes.
Previous: Drew 0-0 at SEA | Next: vs. PHI on 5/9; vs. CHI on 5/12
10
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 18
The Timbers left it very late, but Diego Valeri'sfree kick got the job done and Portland are on a three-game winning streak. There's still a sense that the many newcomers are still bedding in, but Cristhian Paredes and Diego Chara had an impressive partnership in midfield against San Jose.
Previous: Won 1-0 at SJ | Next: vs. SEA on 5/13
11
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 15
The Dynamo, meanwhile, finally clinched a game they should have won, with a late winner from Memo Rodriguez. Houston haven't been especially successful with their Homegrown signings to date, but Rodriguez has a chance to break into Wilmer Cabrera's rotation moving forward.
Previous: Won 3-2 vs. LA | Next: at VAN on 5/11
12
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
Montreal's attack finally exposed some limitations of the Revolution defense after a very good start to the season. It will give opponents game tape on how to attack them, although it's worth remembering that they won't be facing the juggernaut that is Ignacio Piatti every week.
Previous: Lost 4-2 at MTL | Next: vs. TOR on 5/12
13
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 13
The Galaxy's lopsided roster is pretty much performing as you would expect, with the attack building some rhythm and the defense woefully lacking it. Considering the Primary Transfer Window is closed, Sigi Schmid is going to have to run with the players he's got until the next window opens in a couple months.
Previous: Lost 3-2 at HOU | Next: at DAL on 5/12
14
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 15
The Whitecaps are still third in the Western Conference, even though they lost their fourth game in five at the weekend. Being unable to get a result against 10-man Minnesota United, even on the road, is the kind of result that could make a difference at the end of the season.
Previous: Lost 1-0 at MIN | Next: vs. HOU on 5/11
15
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 23
Things are looking up for Minnesota, who moved back to their best placement in the Power Rankings this season after they opened up another winning streak this season. Can they make it three in a row, to break their MLS record and play spoilers at LAFC's new stadium?
Previous: Won 1-0 vs. VAN | Next: at LAFC on 5/9; vs. SJ on 5/12
16
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
The Fire had the assignment of the Atlanta buzzsaw, and came out worse for the wear with a home loss. Perhaps a good showing at home on Wednesday against the Impact will show reported transfer target Fernando Torres what he can accomplish in the Windy City?
Previous: Lost 2-1 vs. ATL | Next: vs. MTL on 5/9; at CLB on 5/12
17
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 21
The Impact had a great day on the attacking end, although it's worth noting if the Revolution had managed a third goal late, Montreal's hearts would have been in their throats for another big collapse coming. Still, the target for them at this point has to be consistency.
Previous: Won 4-2 vs. NE | Next: at CHI on 5/9; vs. PHI on 5/12
18
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
Plenty of ink has been spilled about the Sounders' ambitions and their struggles of late. Their schedule isn't easy, with a midweek road trip in Toronto and then at the weekend in Portland. But if they get a win in one or both of those games, they may find some traction on their season before it's too late.
Previous: Drew 0-0 vs. CLB | Next: at TOR on 5/9; at POR on 5/13
19
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 21
Corey Baird looks to be the real deal, but RSL just continue to slump. Mike Petke is known for his motivation and ability to rally his team, but it doesn't seem to be working right now. On the bright side, their home form is good, and they host the team on the longest road trip ever, D.C. United, this weekend.
Previous: Lost 3-1 at ORL | Next: vs. DC on 5/12
20
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 22
Jim Curtin was blunt in his assessment after the game against Toronto that the better team won. Even if it's true (and it is), the Union are already six points adrift from the final playoff spot in the East. It's very early, of course, but they seem like a team that may not be able to catch up at any point.
Previous: Lost 3-0 at TOR | Next: at CLB on 5/9; at MTL on 5/12
21
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 23
The Rapids have lost three straight, and optimism seems to be fading. Their goal difference is just -1 at the moment, so they've been keeping play close overall, and a home game against the Red Bulls may be a good opportunity to knock off one of the best -- if Anthony Hudson cracks the Red Bulls' gameplan, of course.
Previous: Lost 1-0 at SKC | Next: vs. RBNY on 5/12
22
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 22
Only D.C. keep the Quakes out of the Power Rankings basement, and on form, San Jose are in the worst shape in the league. Florian Jungwirthtalked tough after the loss to the Timbers, and while it was refreshing, it will be interesting to see if San Jose can rally to turn out of their tailspin.
Previous: Lost 1-0 vs. POR | Next: at MIN on 5/12
23
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 23
United were off again last week, and have had plenty of time to prepare for a game in altitude against a reeling RSL. The opening of Audi Field is still over two months away, but a win in Utah could help D.C. remain within distance of a tough Eastern Conference.
Previous: Idle | Next: at RSL on 5/12
